Title
Resolution to Delete Section 4.3.030 of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Building and Trade Code Regarding Conductor Requirements.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the resolution.
The Board of Electrical Appeals, a Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) trade advisory board, along with MABCD staff, recently reviewed the requirement of section 4.3.030 of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Building and Trade Code. Not only is the amendment more restrictive than the requirements of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the trade advisory board and MABCD staff concluded that this requirement is overly burdensome to the contractors and citizens of Wichita and Sedgwick County. The original language requires that mobile and manufactured homes be served by copper conductors only. This requirement is very costly when the service equipment is located a long distance away from the structure being served. Given the cost that may be associated with the requirement of this amendment, the Board of Electrical Appeals and MABCD agreed that the use of aluminum conductors provides the same level of safety and protection, while greatly reducing the cost to contractors and citizens, and proposes to delete section 4.3.030.
Alternatives: Not to approve the resolution.
Financial Considerations: N/A
Legal Considerations: The authority for this resolution is K.S.A. 19-101 et seq. Approval is by simple majority vote.
Policy Considerations: N/A